If you live with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may have heard of the FODMAP diet — a special eating plan that avoids certain carbohydrates that can trigger bloating, gas, and stomach pain. But how well does it work over time?
A new long-term study says: pretty well — especially if you’ve had the help of a dietitian.
What Is the FODMAP Diet?
The FODMAP diet limits a group of fermentable carbs found in foods like dairy, wheat, beans, garlic, and onions. These carbs can be hard to digest, especially for people with IBS.
The diet works in three phases:
- Phase 1: Elimination — Avoid high-FODMAP foods for 4–6 weeks.
- Phase 2: Reintroduction — Gradually bring back certain food groups to test tolerance.
- Phase 3: Personalization — Stick to a diet tailored to what your gut can handle.
Working with a dietitian is key to making this plan safe, effective, and sustainable.
Study Tracks IBS Patients for Years
Researchers from Monash University in Australia followed 74 people diagnosed with IBS who had been taught the FODMAP diet by gastrointestinal-focused dietitians between 2008 and 2018. The participants were evaluated an average of seven years later — some after as long as 13 years — to see how well they were doing.
Here’s what they found:
- 62% were still following a personalized version of the diet.
- 26% had returned to their regular, pre-diet eating habits.
- 12% were still strictly avoiding all high-FODMAP foods.
Even though 84% were still avoiding at least one FODMAP food, their overall intake was similar to people without IBS — unless they were still strictly following the diet, in which case it was lower.
Symptoms Improved for Most
The good news? 64% reported ongoing symptom relief, no matter how closely they followed the diet. Many found they could manage occasional flare-ups by adjusting their fiber or FODMAP intake — and less than one-third relied on medications.
Interestingly, those who stuck to a very strict FODMAP diet reported lower food-related quality of life — likely due to limited food choices and social challenges like eating out. However, overall quality of life and IBS symptoms were about the same across all diet approaches.
Why a Dietitian Makes a Difference
Lead investigator Dr. Hannah Silva explained that ongoing support from a dietitian helps prevent overly strict restrictions, corrects common misconceptions, and gives patients the confidence to manage their symptoms with accurate information.
“Working with a specialist dietitian empowers patients,” she said, “and helps them maintain symptom relief in the long term without missing out on important foods.”
What This Means for IBS Patients
The study shows that the FODMAP diet can be a long-term solution for many people with IBS — but only when done correctly. Personalized guidance helps avoid unnecessary food restrictions and supports better quality of life.
The research team did note a few limitations — such as the possibility of memory errors and reduced participant numbers due to the pandemic. Still, the findings highlight the value of education and expert support in managing IBS through diet.
If you’re thinking about trying the FODMAP diet, don’t go it alone. A trained dietitian can help you build a plan that works for your body — and your lifestyle — for the long haul.